Game 7 look-ahead: No resolution as Chicago wins, Sharks veterans reflect on past deciding games

LOS ANGELES – Smooth flight to Burbank, land to discover that other Western Conference series is going to a Game 7, too.

What it mean, according to @TSNBobMcKenzie is that winner of Sharks-Kings series would start next round at home Friday if Detroit wins, start on the road Saturday if Chicago prevails.

Simple enough. Back to the Southern California focus.

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Today’s print edition story notes that while the Los Angeles Kings have what has proven to be important home-ice advantage in Game 7, the Sharks have a definite experience advantage in such matters. Scott Gomez will be playing in his tenth Game 7, Brad Stuart in his sixth; overall, the San Jose lineup will have 31 Game 7s on its resume to 15 for the Kings.

Does any of that matter – home ice or experience? Who knows. Most players didn’t think so.

But we talked with a few Sharks about their memorable Game 7s, what the Sharks need to do to advance to the Western Conference finals and more. Here’s the bonus material:

*****Dan Boyle was among the players who didn’t think a Game 7 was all that different from any other playoff elimination game.

“Essentially our last game was a do-or-die game. We’re going to be facing the same situation with the exception of the other team being in the same position,” Boyle said.

“It’s definitely a stressful situation but it’s the most fun I’ve had playing hockey. I’ve gotten to do it three times now. This will be my fourth if my memory serves me correctly. It’s the best time to play.”

It may have been the most fun because Boyle has been on the winning side all three times.

He pretended he didn’t remember that. As if.

“I’ve been on the right side of it,” he then admits. “It’s been nice.”

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Somebody asks if any one of those three has been the most memorable.

“Probably the Stanley Cup finals,” he deadpans. “That was a good one.”

Boyle’s Tampa Bay Lightning won the cup in 2004, needing all seven games of the finals to beat the Calgary Flames.

Does he remember what the mood was like before that game.
“The mood was pretty good. The only difference was the night before I didn’t sleep as much. The nap the day of the game wasn’t so good,” Boyle said. “The nerves kind of before were probably worse than the nerves during the game. It was just so much fun. It was exciting. It was a one-goal game down to the last seconds. Definitely a stressful situation but an amazing experience.”

Does he have any advice to his younger teammates who haven’t gone through this before?

“Just try not to make it a bigger deal than what it actually is,” Boyle said. “Go out and enjoy it. Just enjoy it. Just don’t over think it or it can get the best of you.”

****Brad Stuart has played in six Game 7s and has a 3-3 record.

Is there value in having gone through that when the puck drops Tuesday night?

“It helps. But again, it’s no different, in my opinion, than any other elimination game and we’ve all played in those,” Stuart said. “Yeah, it’s a big game and having that experience doesn’t hurt, but each one is unique and you’ve got to be prepared for it. It’s not just going to happen because you’ve played in a Game 7 before. You’ve got to make sure you’re prepared.”

His most memorable Game 7?

“My first series was a Game 7 and we beat St. Louis,” said Stuart, going back his first go-round with the Sharks in 2000 and the game that turned on an Owen Nolan shot from center ice that beat goalie Roman Turek. “I’ll always remember that one for sure.”

****When Scott Gomez takes the ice, he’ll be skating in his tenth Game 7, putting him at the top of the list of active players in a tie with his old teammate, Martin Brodeur, Zdeno Chara and Andrew Ferrence.

“Just means I’m getting old, I guess,” he said. “Someone brought that up the other day and I kind of started to think about all of them, and I couldn’t even remember most of them. It’s getting to the point where do what you have to do.

“I don’t know how many game sevens we’ve all played at home,” he added later. “It seems like everything you did sports-wise is always a Game 7 when you’re in the neighborhood and stuff. So it’s a special time and as you get older you realize that you have to take advantage of these, but it’s great for hockey, great for the fans, great for this area. The goal was to get back to LA and we’re excited that we’re in a position where we can move on.”

Gomez had some terse advice for younger players – “Don’t suck” – but went on to quote his former New Jersey general manager.

“Lou Lamoriello said it best, when it comes to Game 7s. ‘If you can look at yourself in the mirror after and know that you gave it your all, that’s what its about. Sports are crazy. The outcome’s not always going to be what you want.’ I always remember him saying that.”
Gomez’s favorite Game 7 also came in the Stanley Cup finals, the 2003 win over the Anaheim Ducks.

****Todd McLellan didn’t state it definitively, but made it pretty clear he liked his Game 6 lineup and was unlikely to tinker with it Tuesday night.

And his thoughts on whether players can draw on past Game 7s when the puck drops Tuesday night?

“Yeah, you can, I guess is the answer,” he said. “You can reference your past, your emotions, what you felt before the game. If you felt good and played well in that Game 7, you try and repeat the process.

“I’m not too sure that’s going to have a big effect on the outcome of the game,” he continued. “What we did two years ago in Game 7, what they did six years ago in Game 7, what individuals did – I don’t know. The 40 players that dress will decide it this year. Whoever plays a better game is going to have a chance to move on, it’s as simple as that.”

David Pollak

David Pollak has been following the NHL forever and at the Mercury News as an editor or reporter since 1987. For almost a decade he wrote about the Sharks as the paper's Fan in the Stands before joining the sports department in 2001. He became the Sharks beat writer before the 2007-08 season and began this blog at that time. You can also follow him on Twitter at @PollakOnSharks.

I don’t know who will win tomorrow, and as much as I hope the Sharks come out on top, I’ll be happy as long as it is obvious to all of us that they gave it their all. I want to see another game 6 from our boys, not another game 5.

At this point, that’s all we can ask for.

Dirty

“Don’t suck!”

I love that. And it’s true. Anything less than the best is a felony!

Snow- Not working; have a late afternoon obligation to take care of but that is it! Can’t wait, grrr……GO SHARKS!

No one will remember if you don’t win
That you heroically fought to a game seven
Only your home fans count moral victory
To the rest, you’re a loser in history
No one will remember the effort you put in
‘Cause they only remember the champions
How hard you fought and how much you care
Will just disappear into thin air
A memory held in the minds of your fans
While you leave the ice with empty hands
No one will remember unless you win
So give it all you’ve got, and then give more again
Put everything you’ve got into your game
For they never engrave the losers’ names

I have only one thing to say, Enjoy the moment and take pride in knowing that a win on Tuesday means you vanquished the defending Stanley Cup Champions from the playoffs.

GO SHARKS!!!!

MW

Lamoriello’s quote reminds me of how the Sharks played in Game 5 vs. Vancouver in the 2011 WCF. They came to play and they played hard for every second of every shift. I always wonder what would have happened if the puck never hit that stanchion.

AllSport

Whatever happens, I’m more proud of this Sharks team than any in recent memory.

I also want to give full credit to Wilson and McLellan for what they did to rebuild this team mid-season, losing slowness and gaining speed, giving good young players the chance to shine.

I’ve been very critical at times, but I see a very different team here than I’ve seen in years past.

Joe Thornton apparently doesn’t respect the regular season–okay. I see him playing his ass off now, and he did that last year as well, so next year I’ll know what his early behavior means. He’s still doing some hideously bone-headed stuff, but the obverse is some stellar, dagger-in-the-gut scoring plays, and a lot of heart.

In terms of beating the Kings, I’ll just say a couple of things…

==High shot from the high slot==

You have to elevate the puck from the high slot to beat goaltenders like Quick who play the low shot so well, so when you get that internal chance, consider kicking it back out to someone who can get it up

==East-west offense

You have to beat a great goaltender with cross-ice passes that don’t let him get over–witness Thornton’s pass to Burns. Best case is an east-west pass that gets elevated.

== Get in Quick’s eyes
Obvious, that we have to have good presence in front. One thing to consider, though, is a pass to the screener instead of a shot, where he then dishes to the side for an elevated shot

I’m very proud of this team, which is not how I’ve felt in prior years, even when we went deep into the playoffs

Poetic Apreciation

Alright Sharks…GO FOR IT! Have fun and be confident in yourselves and claim the victory! We all want you back Friday or Saturday.

For NBC, sorry if these questions have been asked before.
1) Who is Nathan Couture? What number is he wearing?
2) How do you fit a hockey game into a 2.5hr timeslot?

I miss Randy and Drew. Miss you guys! And it’s not due to the mercenary commentators. Even when compared to the other great commentators who know their teams, you set the high bar.

Theme from Jaws

Can’t wait for the game! I very much hope they win and keep the ride going but it’s going to be a tall task. In order for the Sharks to win I think they’ll need great goal tending from Niemi and a lucky bounce or two. They definitely have a chance as long they play hard and don’t repeat the sins of game 5.

Go Sharks!

Phat Stat Phil

DP:

Make that “Zdeno Chara”.

Dunlap

TMac has to step it up for Sharks to win. Can’t just sit back and try to play conservative defensive hockey and try to line match without last change I hope he turns em loose. The Sharks need to have the puck and shoot a lot to win. Trying to weather the storm and hoping to not give up any goals in the first period and maybe counter attack once in a while hasn’t worked yet. I want to see full throttle Sharks just like when they play at home. The kings were never close to an elimination game last year. They are grumpy at being in one now. Go attack them and get in Crybaby Quick’s grill! If The Sharks lose, it better not be because of another bad gameplan.

Angel From Texas

I think Mike Babcock said it best, “just go have fun,the team that’s playing loose and having fun will be playing longer.”

Lord Stanley

Here’s another point of strategery for our boys: Elevate the puck vs. Quick, not the high glass! Be sure to note the difference!!!

Tealmaherajah

Wingels still gives me tingles. Go Sharks!

SJGR8WHITE

One shift at a time, Leave it all on the ice, and have some fun!!! WE CAN DO THIS!!! Proud of this team more than any other PO one after the lock out!!! Thanks again DP for all the info:) Drop the Puck Already!!!
LGSDI

I want to echo all of the above. This time around, I don’t feel nervous or antsy about the prospect of elimination. Rather, I am happily embracing the anticipation of progression. The ONLY slight trepidation that I have is the occasional long stretches of not getting any SOG’s. On the flip side, during those time periods, the defense and goal-tending steps it up. I guess that’s what a total team looks like, and we have one on our hands.

Go Sharks, and Patrick Marleau it is time to show what kind of a Bum you really are!

NB Finfan

I must say that I am disappointed in the Wings. I was so hoping they would have put the Hawks away last night. Hope they take care of business on Wed. I cant stand hearing that Chelsea Drag Queen tune anymore. I will never ever buy an Amstel Light.

carchrodon_carcharias

#1 piece of advice: KEEP IT SIMPLE, it’s our strong suit and it’ll stand us in good stead–always.

Whatever may come tonight, I know one thing, and one thing only: We absolutely earned this, we can absolutely do this, and I love this team. (sorry that was 3 things)

p.s. All the haters want to remind us that it’s a do/die game, let’s remind them that the Kings are also in that position. Haters gonna hate and skaters gonna skate.

Go Sharks, fight to the FINish, let’s do this!!!!!

Snow Shovel

#4 Oregon Rachel – If anyone’s up for this game, it’s definitely you (you have the most exclamation marks)! Nice.

Snow Shovel

#25 puckace – That’s the spirit! What would our blog be without rhymes.

carchrodon_carcharias

Does anyone out there know how to hack into the Staples sound system?!

All I can say is the Sharks chances of winning game 7 is probably better than the Wings. Oy, those 3rd period turnovers are killer. Twelve in all last night. That ain’t gonna get it done. Best of luck tonight SJ! I’ll be watching & rooting for team teal. I want so much to play each other in the WCF!!

Renoshark

This is a much different, and better, Sharks team than the one that was led to slaughter against St. Louis last year. Having Raffi, Burish and Havlat out most of the series hasn’t helped but these guys just keep plugging away, regardless of who is playing. I love that mindset. Would be nice if we could jump on LA for some easy ones early though.

BASS

Just win it for GGIII

GSDI

SanDiegoSharksFan

@Allsport “when you get that internal chance, consider kicking it back out to someone who can get it up…”

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

GDub

The waiting….oh the agony.

Is it 6 yet?

Topcat

Sharks key to winning against LA is pretty simple. Desperately first to loose pucks, relentless fore check (with pinching defense) to tie up and waste time and wear out LA scorers. Must limit their offensive zone time, similar to last 3rd period. And of course, no stupid penalties. If not decent play developing on Quick, play the puck to him to get face off.

Ron

Kings 3-2 OT

Renoshark

Regarding NBC’s coverage or lack thereof in some cases. If I recall correctly, multiple games ran past their time slot last year and viewers just missed big chunks of other games because of it. The NHL Network didn’t step in and televise those affected games like they did this postseason. Beer League programming.

fwiw, I have no idea of which official are good or bad. Ever since Frazier retired, I can’t tell one from another

JB

Play fast and have fun. That what I saw in the best Sharks’ performances this year. That what I hope to see tonight.

MW

All the pressure is on LA to win this game. Everything the Sharks are doing this season is gravy really. Winning this game would be a bonus on what was appearing to be a “re-evaluate for 2013-14″ season in March.

- They’re supposedly a team that “chokes” so nobody picked them to win anything.

- They’re the 6th seed.

- They dealt away key players “Clowe, Handzus and Murray.”

- They’re not the defending champions.

All the pressure is on the team that never faced elimination last season. Sharks already played in their Game 7 on Sunday night.

Gooooooo Sharks!

DeanH

Just a few pre-game seven thoughts from north of the border.

Thornton is finally getting a lot of love from the Canadian media these days. He was bashed at lot back in the east from his old Bruin days, even though he was hurt in his last Bruins playoff series. Many say his games four and six are the best they have seen him play and many noticed how totally exhausted he was at the end of game six, simply because he left EVERYTHING on the ice in that last minute.

Ferraro says that as far as he’s concerned TMac is the best coach in these playoffs, making the most out of a depleted lineup and slightly outdoing his old mentor, Mike Babcock.

Finally TSN Montreal were poking fun at Daryl Sutter’s post game six press conference, comparing him to a cross between Sly Stallone’s Rambo and Eeyore the Donkey from a Canadian kids cartoon called Winnie the Pooh. If anyone knows what I’m talking about, then I hope you got a good laugh out of that one.

Anyway can’t wait for game seven to begin. Go Sharks!!!

Johnny San Jose

Well… What an exciting day for this sports fan. We have the Sharks tonight at 6:00pm and of course, my son’s playoff baseball game is scheduled for 5:30pm tonight as well. I’m going to do my best “invisible man” impersonation and try to avoid any updates on the Sharks game at the baseball field while my trusty (sarcastic) DVR records it. We’ll go home, eat some dinner, get the kids bathed and to bed and then I’ll sit in front of the TV and watch it “live” and try not to wake anyone up when the Sharks bury the Kings tonight.

With all of the obscure stats floating around this series, game 7′s etc., the one not being talked about at all is the stat where the last three Stanley Cup winners have all beaten the Vancouver Canucks. Something to think about.

Renoshark

Dean @ 44:

Yep. I like Darryl but his postgame pressers are brutal. So bad they’re a must watch. Kind of like a car wreck. You know you shouldn’t be watching but you just can’t help it.

Dirty Bum

Good luck, JSJ! May the Puck be With You in Your Endeavor of Invisibility. It can be done.

Let’s go, let’s go! Let’s get it boys!
Let’s get out there and make some noise!
It’s do or die time, sink or swim
And who’s the one who’s got The Fin?
It’s definitely not the Kings
They’re weighted down with royal bling
It’s hard to rule and balance the crown
When they’re not standing on solid ground
Let’s go, let’s go! let’s get it Sharks!
They don’t have time to build an ark
They can’t survive on the open sea
It’s time for the kill. It’s time for Round Three.

Topcat

Oh no Brad Watson…! Yes, the game two ref who called the Vlasic deflection off Carter as a penalty, from center ice, and overruled the linesman who was right by the play. As well as the TJ(?) cheap roughing call in the goal. CRAP. Maybe he will want to make it up? He also made the Shaw in the crease crazy call that prevented Chicago from tying Detroit in game 2(?).